Group Tour: 2013 Romantic Germany - Black Forest, Castles and Alpine Discovery
9 Days
from
$2289 per person (Price varies depending on pre and post days outside of group tour).*
Highlights:
Germany
(Frankfurt)
Trip Start/End:
Frankfurt
/
Frankfurt
Southern Germany offers magical landscapes with lush rolling hills, medieval towns and picturesque castles. Travel back in time with a visit to Rothenburg ob der Tauber and tour beautiful castles such as Neuschwanstein. Impressive mountains and magnificent lakes make this an unforgettable romantic travel experience.
Group tours depart on May 26, June 30, July 21, August 11, September 1 , September 29 and December 8, 2013 and are guaranteed with a minimum of 4 participants. In general, the maximum group size is 24.
Consider adding additional days to your trip with the services of a private guide and/or driver to see more of the country - your time on either side of your group tour can be customized to suit your needs (and private guided tours can be added throughout your small group experience as desired). Southern Germany offers magical landscapes with lush rolling hills, medieval towns and picturesque castles. Travel back in time with a visit to Rothenburg ob der Tauber and tour beautiful castles such as Neuschwanstein. Impressive mountains and magnificent lakes make this an unforgettable romantic travel experience.
Overview
| Day | Activities | Hotel |
- Day 1
- Frankfurt
| - Transfer - Private - Airport - Vehicle/Driver(economy)
- Lunch (not included)
- Dinner (not included)
| Mövenpick Hotel Frankfurt City
Standard Room (B)1 DBL (2 Adults)
|
- Day 2
- Frankfurt
| - Private - 1/2 d Walking City Tour with Goethe House and Museum (4hrs) - Guide
- Lunch (not included)
- Meet up with Guide and Welcome Dinner
| Hotel Movenpick Frankfurt City (B) or similar |
- Day 3
- Frankfurt - Freiburg
| - Breakfast (included)
- via Heidelberg with Cable Car Ride to Castle
- Lunch (not included)
- Dinner (not included)
| Park Hotel Post (B) or similar |
- Day 4
- Freiburg - Fuessen
| - Breakfast (included)
- Lake Titi with "Black Forest Experience" and Lindau
- Lunch (not included)
- Dinner (not included)
| Hotel Hirsch (B) or similar |
- Day 5
- Fuessen - Garmisch-Partenkirchen
| - Breakfast (included)
- Neuschwanstein Castle
- Lunch (not included)
- Wieskirche, Oberammergau, Ettal and Local Cheese Factory (with Cheese Tasting)
- Dinner (not included)
| Rheinischer Hof Hotel (B) or similar |
- Day 6
- Garmisch-Partenkirchen - Innsbruck - Munich
| - Breakfast (included)
- Innsbruck Tour
- Lunch (not included)
- Visit of Linderhof Castle
- Dinner (not included)
| Hotel Excelsior (B) or similar |
- Day 7
- Munich
| - Breakfast (included)
- City Tour
- Lunch (not included)
- Afternoon at leisure
- Farewell Bavarian Dinner
| Hotel Excelsior (B) or similar |
- Day 8
- Munich - Frankfurt
| - Breakfast (included)
- via Rothenburg ob der Tauber with Schneeballen (snow ball) Tasting
- Lunch (not included)
- Frankfurt Airport
- Dinner (not included)
| NH Frankfurt Airport (4*)
Standard (B)1 DBL (2 Adults)
|
- Day 9
| - Complimentary airport shuttle
| Depart (Int`l Airport)
|
| B = Breakfast, L = Lunch, D = Dinner, 1/2d = Half Day, Al = All Inclusive |
Trip Itinerary
Frankfurt
Mövenpick Hotel Frankfurt City
Day 1: Frankfurt
Airport transfer with private vehicle and German speaking driver.
Accommodation: Mövenpick Hotel Frankfurt City Mövenpick Hotel Frankfurt City is ideally located in the city centre and offers 288 comfortable, contemporary and well-equipped rooms spread over 7 floors. All rooms are equipped with air-conditioning, heating, TV, radio, phone, High speed Internet access, hairdryer, minibar, coffee and tea making facilities, room service and laptop-sized safe. The hotel restaurant serves a buffet and à-la-carte options for their guests. The fitness centre on the top floor provides you with 130 square metres in which to relax after a long day. From this floor you have access to the panoramic terrace with its view over Frankfurt's skyline.
Goehte House
Hotel Movenpick
Day 2: Frankfurt
Enjoy a half day 4hour walking tour with a private English speaking guide. From 1st Century Roman settlements to those made under the Germanic tribes, Frankfurt was to become of pivotal importance to the German-dominated Holy Roman Empire, and is where the German Kings and Emperors were coronated over a millennia ago. Despite the ravages of the Napoleonic War, Nazism and obliteration by bombing raids in WWII, Frankfurt's remarkable cultural legacy prevails, making it one of the world's most important cities. Having served as the seat of the first democratically elected German parliament, it is also the city of Goethe and home to the Frankfurt School, and is nothing less than the financial centre of the European continent. The tour includes a specialized guide and entrance fees.
At 7 pm you will meet your guide and enjoy a welcome dinner at the hotel.
Accommodation: Hotel Movenpick Frankfurt City (B) or similar Mövenpick Hotel Frankfurt City is ideally located in the city centre and offers 288 comfortable, contemporary and well-equipped rooms spread over 7 floors. The hotel restaurant serves a buffet and à-la-carte options for their guests. The fitness centre on the top floor provides you with 130 square metres in which to relax after a long day. From this floor you have access to the panoramic terrace with its view over Frankfurt's skyline.
Please note that your hotel may be the above or a hotel of similar standard and will be confirmed prior to departure.
Old Bridge
Park Hotel Post
Day 3: Frankfurt - Freiburg
Today you will travel from Frankfurt to Freiburg via Heidelberg. Idyllically located on the shores of the Neckar River, Heidelberg is Germany`s oldest university town and one of the most popular destination in the country. You will take a cable car ride to visit the famous castle and enjoy a sightseeing tour of its historic city centre. If weather conditions allow it, you will take the scenic Schwarzwald Hochstrasse to Freudenstadt. Continue your drive to Freiburg where you will overnight.
Accommodation: Park Hotel Post (B) or similar Park Hotel Post is located in the city centre and offers individually appointed rooms, some with balcony, inviting you to linger on the delightful view of the Colombi Park and the Cathedral - the Münster.
Please note that your hotel may be the above or a hotel of similar standard and will be confirmed prior to departure.
Black Forest
Hotel Hirsch
Day 4: Freiburg - Fuessen
You will start your day with a sightseeing tour of lovely Freiburg, famous for its beautiful church tower. Next you will travel to Lake Titi, nestled in the legendary Black Forest. You will have the full “Black Forest Experience” there. Make your own Schwarzwälder Kirschtorte and savor it afterwards with a cup of coffee while gazing at a short presentation on the cuckoo clock production. Continue the tour towards the small island of Lindau in Lake Constance, which boasts spectacular views of the Alps. Depending on weather conditions you will take the Alpine road from Lindau to Oberstaufen and Immenstadt to your final destination Füssen, the southernmost point on your tour of Romantic Germany.
Accommodation: Hotel Hirsch (B) or similar The Hotel “Hirsch” is situated at the edge of the picturesque old town in the heart of Füssen. Here you are close to the marvellous Alpine landscape with its mountains and lakes as well as to the famous royal castles “Hohenschwangau” and “Neuschwanstein”, the residences of King Ludwig II. The hotel is built in the “Art Nouveau” style and combines elegantly modern comfort and the Bavarian ambience. The delicious Bavarian and local specialities, which the restaurant serves will also contribute to your pleasant stay.
Please note that your hotel may be the above or a hotel of similar standard and will be confirmed prior to departure.
Neuschwanstein Castle
Ettal Benedictine Abbey
Day 5: Fuessen - Garmisch-Partenkirchen
Begin your day with a visit to the magnificent towers of Neuschwanstein castle rise in all their majestic splendour – it is simply breathtaking! Set in one of the world’s most beautiful locations, the castle overlooks the idyllic 700 year old, medieval village of Fuessen. The panoramic view from the Marienbruecke (the bridge high above the castle and gorge) is spectacular with unspoilt natural lakes and valleys stretching far into the distant horizon.
In the afternoon you will travel to Oberammergau, famous for its Passion Play and lovely crafts. Along the way you will visit the Wieskirche Church and the Ettal Benedictine Abbey. You will also pay a visit to a local cheese factory with tasting. Your final stop for today is Garmisch-Partenkirchen, Germany’s winter sports capital and site of the 1936 winter Olympics. This mountainous region also features Germany’s highest peak, Zugspitze (9.715 ft).
Accommodation: Rheinischer Hof Hotel (B) or similar The Hotel “Rheinischer Hof” is located about 800 metres from the centre of Garmisch-Partenkirchen, the legendary town which attracts every year so many guests, sportsmen and sportswomen and curious visitors from all over the world. The Rheinischer Hof Restaurant serves international dishes, such as "Viennese style" cutlet, roast beef with onions and king prawns with curry rice.
Please note that your hotel may be the above or a hotel of similar standard and will be confirmed prior to departure.
Innsbruck Skyline
Linderhof Castle
Day 6: Garmisch-Partenkirchen - Innsbruck - Munich
Enjoy a sightseeing tour of Innsbruck, Austria, located in the Inn Valley, the heart of the Alps. It is an internationally renowned winter sports centre that hosted the 1964 and 1976 Winter Olympics. As an alternative excursion you may also ascend to the top of Zugspitze (not included into the tour cost).
In the afternoon you will depart from Innsbruck and head to Munich. Visit Linderhof Castle, one of the 3 castles built by King Ludwig II of Bavaria and the only one where the king actually lived for a significant amount of time. Continue to Munich.
Accommodation: Hotel Excelsior (B) or similar The Hotel Excelsior is situated in the heart of central Munich. In the centre of Munich, close to Karlsplatz/Stachus and only 15 walking minutes through the pedestrian zone to the world renowned Marienplatz. Following on the long tradition of Bavarian hospitality, the hotel restaurant and bar offer an outstanding selection of food and wine in a comfortable, relaxed atmosphere. Its Vinothek is known for having one of the finest wine lists in the city and a menu that reflects the inventiveness of the chef.
Please note that your hotel may be the above or a hotel of similar standard and will be confirmed prior to departure.
Marienplatz
Bavarian Sausages
Day 7: Munich
Today you will take a sightseeing tour of Munich. The city is located at the foot of the Alps and is one of the Germany's major cultural centres. This sophisticated city with a baroque spirit attracts people by its fairy tale charm, superb museums and annual Oktoberfest. You will visit the city‘s main attractions including colorful Marienplatz square with its famous clock tower. The square was called Marienplatz as a way to ask Virgin Mary to protect the town from a cholera epidemic. The capital of Bavaria, Munich is also one of the Germany's most festive cities. The most famous festival that is the paradise for all beer lovers is the Oktoberfest, which is annually celebrated in September.
The afternoon is free to discover Munich at your leisure.
In the evening you will enjoy a traditional Bavarian dinner with your fellow travelers.
Accommodation: Hotel Excelsior (B) or similar 
Rothenburg ob de Tauber
NH Frankfurt Airport
Day 8: Munich - Frankfurt
Depart in the morning for Rothenburg ob der Tauber, one of the oldest and most beautiful cities in Germany. The name "Rothenburg ob der Tauber" means, in German, "Red fortress above the Tauber". This is so because the town is located on a plateau overlooking the Tauber River. Sightseeing tour of this lovely medieval town includes a Schneeballen (snow ball) tasting, a pastry considered the signature dish of Rothenburg. After the tour concludes continue your drive towards Frankfurt.
Tour ends at Frankfurt airport around 6pm.
Accommodation: NH Frankfurt Airport (4*) Hotel NH Frankfurt-Airport (4*) is located close to the Rhine-Main Airport in the business park Kelsterbach. Here you will feel like at home, at the hub of the largest airports in the world. The 158 rooms excel with their stylish atmosphere and upscale equipment. Every room comes with TV, pay TV, WLAN, internet connection, mini bar and direct dial telephone. Rooms adapted to the needs of the disabled guests and non-smoking rooms are also available. The bar and the attached restaurant Nhube serve mainly light Mediterranean and German cuisine. An array of exclusive drinks completes the services on offer.
Day 9:
Benefit from your hotel's complimentary airport shuttle to reach the airport in time for your flight's departure.
Accommodation: Depart (Int`l Airport)
Accommodations
- Mövenpick Hotel Frankfurt City
Mövenpick Hotel Frankfurt City - Frankfurt
Mövenpick Hotel Frankfurt City is ideally located in the city centre and offers 288 comfortable, contemporary and well-equipped rooms spread over 7 floors. All rooms are equipped with air-conditioning, heating, TV, radio, phone, High speed Internet access, hairdryer, minibar, coffee and tea making facilities, room service and laptop-sized safe. The hotel restaurant serves a buffet and à-la-carte options for their guests. The fitness centre on the top floor provides you with 130 square metres in which to relax after a long day. From this floor you have access to the panoramic terrace with its view over Frankfurt's skyline.
- Hotel Movenpick
Hotel Movenpick Frankfurt City (B) or similar
Mövenpick Hotel Frankfurt City is ideally located in the city centre and offers 288 comfortable, contemporary and well-equipped rooms spread over 7 floors. The hotel restaurant serves a buffet and à-la-carte options for their guests. The fitness centre on the top floor provides you with 130 square metres in which to relax after a long day. From this floor you have access to the panoramic terrace with its view over Frankfurt's skyline.
Please note that your hotel may be the above or a hotel of similar standard and will be confirmed prior to departure.
- Park Hotel Post
Park Hotel Post (B) or similar
Park Hotel Post is located in the city centre and offers individually appointed rooms, some with balcony, inviting you to linger on the delightful view of the Colombi Park and the Cathedral - the Münster.
Please note that your hotel may be the above or a hotel of similar standard and will be confirmed prior to departure.
- Hotel Hirsch
Hotel Hirsch (B) or similar
The Hotel “Hirsch” is situated at the edge of the picturesque old town in the heart of Füssen. Here you are close to the marvellous Alpine landscape with its mountains and lakes as well as to the famous royal castles “Hohenschwangau” and “Neuschwanstein”, the residences of King Ludwig II. The hotel is built in the “Art Nouveau” style and combines elegantly modern comfort and the Bavarian ambience. The delicious Bavarian and local specialities, which the restaurant serves will also contribute to your pleasant stay.
Please note that your hotel may be the above or a hotel of similar standard and will be confirmed prior to departure.
Reinischer Hof Hotel
Rheinischer Hof Hotel (B) or similar
The Hotel “Rheinischer Hof” is located about 800 metres from the centre of Garmisch-Partenkirchen, the legendary town which attracts every year so many guests, sportsmen and sportswomen and curious visitors from all over the world. The Rheinischer Hof Restaurant serves international dishes, such as "Viennese style" cutlet, roast beef with onions and king prawns with curry rice.
Please note that your hotel may be the above or a hotel of similar standard and will be confirmed prior to departure.
Hotel Excelsior Lobby
Hotel Excelsior (B) or similar
The Hotel Excelsior is situated in the heart of central Munich. In the centre of Munich, close to Karlsplatz/Stachus and only 15 walking minutes through the pedestrian zone to the world renowned Marienplatz. Following on the long tradition of Bavarian hospitality, the hotel restaurant and bar offer an outstanding selection of food and wine in a comfortable, relaxed atmosphere. Its Vinothek is known for having one of the finest wine lists in the city and a menu that reflects the inventiveness of the chef.
Please note that your hotel may be the above or a hotel of similar standard and will be confirmed prior to departure.
- NH Frankfurt Airport
NH Frankfurt Airport (4*) - Frankfurt
Hotel NH Frankfurt-Airport (4*) is located close to the Rhine-Main Airport in the business park Kelsterbach. Here you will feel like at home, at the hub of the largest airports in the world. The 158 rooms excel with their stylish atmosphere and upscale equipment. Every room comes with TV, pay TV, WLAN, internet connection, mini bar and direct dial telephone. Rooms adapted to the needs of the disabled guests and non-smoking rooms are also available. The bar and the attached restaurant Nhube serve mainly light Mediterranean and German cuisine. An array of exclusive drinks completes the services on offer.
Travel Info
Travel tips of Germany
VISA/PASSPORT
Germany is a party to the Schengen Agreement. As such, U.S. citizens may enter for up to 90 days for tourist or business purposes without a visa. The passport should be valid for at least three months beyond the period of stay.
HEALTH
Health insurance is recommended. Medical facilities are good quality. We recommend that you see a health-care provider who specializes in Travel Medicine. The doctor or health-care provider will determine what vaccinations and medication you will need, depending on factors such as your health and immunization history, areas of the country you will be visiting, and planned activities. For more information on travel requirements, visit the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) website: http://wwwn.cdc.gov/travel/destinations/germany.aspx
COUNTRY INFO
Capital: Berlin.
Government: Federal Republic.
Language: German. Some English and French is spoken.
Religion: Approximately 34% Protestant, 34% Roman Catholic, 4% Muslim, with Jewish and other non-Christian minorities.
Time: GMT + 1 (GMT + 2 from last Sunday in March to last Sunday in October).
Electricity: 230 volts AC, 50Hz. European-style round two-pin plugs are in use.
Telephone: Country code +49.
Mobile Telephone: Roaming agreements exist with many international mobile phone companies. Coverage is good. It is illegal to use a hand-held mobile telephone while driving.
Internet: Internet is readily available; there are many Internet cafes all over the country. Large Internet access centers exist in most main cities. Most hotels also provide facilities, either included in the room rate or charged separately.
What's Included:
- Private/Independent trip portion: Guaranteed departure - Accommodation, Activities, Transfers, Meals, Fees where indicated as per the itinerary - Local and international traveler assistance during your tour - Specialised and personalised services.
Group Trip Portion: Driver/guide companion -Accommodation-Transportation throughout - Breakfast daily- 2X local evening meals -Black Forest Cake cooking class -Visit to a cuckoo clock visitor center- Visit to a local cheese factory-Visit to a local brewery- "Snow Ball" tasting. Entrance Fees Included: Heidelberg, Neuschwanstein and Linderhof Castles.
What's not Included:
- Tips - Laundry - Soft drinks and alcoholic beverages unless explicitly noted - Optional activities/extras – Visas (unless noted) - Vacation insurance
Trip Terms & Conditions
- Your deposit is due immediately on booking (30% of program price, minimum $350). The balance is due 90 days prior to departure.
- Cancellations of confirmed bookings 90 days or more prior to departure will receive full refund minus a $350 (per person) administrative fee and any non-refundable paid fees (e.g. non-refundable airfare, cruise or hotel deposits). 60-89 days will be subject to loss of 30% of program price. 30-59 days will be subject to loss of 50% of program price. 29 days or less will be subject to loss of 100% of program price.
- Tour quotes do not include airfare to/from the trip start point unless noted on the itinerary
- Cost increases in currency exchange, government fees, taxes, surcharges or hotel/lodge tariff increases between quote date and start date are payable by the client.
- Availability cannot be guaranteed until booked. We will exercise best efforts to book hotels per the itinerary, however, in busy seasons and with client bookings made within 90 days of tour date we may be forced to offer substitutes.
- Payment of the program price constitutes your acceptance of the terms and conditions set out at www.kensingtontours.com/terms-and-conditions
- Living Standards and practices at destination may differ from those in North America with respect to provisions of utilities, services and accommodation.
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